Interpersonal trauma and animal-related experiences in female and male military veterans: implications for program development.
Exposure to trauma is more frequent than was previously recognized. The prevalence and impact of trauma events, including trauma involving animals, was assessed in age-matched male and female veterans. High rates of exposure to at least one trauma event were reported by males (95%) and females (97%). Females were more likely to report sexual and physical abuse by a significant other. Both genders experienced higher trauma rates in the military than in civilian settings. A survey of animal-related experiences showed similar rates of losing a special pet, being frightened or hurt by an animal, witnessing or perpetrating violence toward animals, and having sexual interactions with animals. Almost one-third of the veterans showed evidence of post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms, highlighting the potential benefit of trauma screening to identify veterans in need of further evaluation and treatment.
Baker
D G
DG
Department of Psychiatry, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
Boat
B W
BW
Grinvalsky
H T
HT
Geracioti
T D
TD
D000818:Animals; D000829:Animals, Domestic; D017579:Domestic Violence / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D001841:Human-Animal Bond; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014728:Veterans / Q000523:psychology; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology*